Disability types

There are many different types of disability. Different disabilities will impact a person's involvement in study or work in different ways. Even people who have the same disability type will not experience their disability in the same way. It is important to remember that every person with a disability
is an individual and will have their own specific experiences and disability related needs. The best way to find out what they are is to ask the person with disability themselves!

This section provides an overview of some of the main disability types and links to further information.

What are autism spectrum disorders?

Autism spectrum disorders are lifelong developmental disabilities. They are characterised by difficulties in:

social communication which may include challenges in:

understanding and use of non-verbal communication

forming friendships

social and emotional responsiveness

language development

initiating and sustaining conversations

fixated interests and repetitive behaviors, which may include:

unusually specific interests

repetitive body movements

non-functional routines

sensory sensitivities

People with an autism spectrum disorder may also have an intellectual or learning disability, language disorder or ADHD.

Prior to 2013, diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders included classification of different types; autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified. Since May 2013, however, diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder are not classified into subtypes.
Instead, diagnoses will include a severity ranking of level 1, 2, or 3, based on how much support a person needs.

What is a mental illness?

a varied group of conditions that significantly affect how a person feels, thinks behaves, and interacts with other people

close to 1 in 5 Australians will have a mental illness in any year. Nearly half of all Australians will experience mental illness during their lifetime.

mental illnesses are diagnosed according to standardised criteria

they are different from temporary mental health problems that may be experienced following stressful life events

some major types of mental illness include:

anxiety disorders – are by far the most common mental illnesses with around 14% of Australian adults affected in any year. Anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder

depression – 6% of Australian adults are affected each year

substance use disorders, psychotic illnesses, and personality disorders – these are less common than anxiety and depression